Think energy-efficiency. Make small changes by making your home more energy-efficient. How can you do it? Switch to LED light bulbs, seal up any air leaks, and if you can, invest in insulation. If you want to save even more, consider purchasing energy-efficient appliances like a programmable thermostat. Don't forget about eco-modes on washing machines and dishwashers too - you'd be surprised at how much difference these can make!
Conserve that H2O. Water bills can also hurt your budget. You can reduce your water usage and lower your bill by turning the water off during toothbrushing, showering, etc. If you want to save more cash, you can install low-flow shower heads, toilets, and taps.
Bundle up when you can. Bundle your services, like TV, internet and phone, to get a better overall rate.
Shop smart. Another way to save money on household bills is to compare rates for different services. Do your research, compare prices and see if you can find a better deal by switching to a different provider.
Use coupons and loyalty programs. Take advantage of coupons and loyalty programs to save money on household shopping. This is specially worth it for groceries - and can save you lots! Don't forget the cashback websites too.
Create a meal plan for the week ahead. Food prices have gone up but it doesn't mean you need to skip your favourites. Going shopping without the list is going to empty your wallet in no time. Make a weekly list of all the meals you're planning to make, then write the ingredients needed and stick to just that. This way you will not only save some cash but also avoid food waste. You can also batch cook to save on energy, use a slow cooker or air fryer as it might be a lot more energy-efficient.
Check your boiler settings. The biggest chunk of household bills is during winter. Make sure your boiler is in a good condition, bleed the radiators and cover all the drafts. The temperature at which your boiler heats the water before distributing it to your radiators is managed by the heating flow temperature setting. Typically, this setting is higher than necessary for the optimal performance of combi boilers. Operating a combi boiler with a lower flow temperature can increase its efficiency. According to EDF, for the average household, decreasing the flow temperature from 80℃ to 60℃ could result in annual savings of up to £112.
Stop wasting money on disposables. Whether you're buying disposable pads for family or your pets, let me tell you - you're throwing your hard-earned money away for pads that you can only use once. Not only you will end up with more smelly rubbish, but also a lot more washing if an accident happens. What to do then? Invest in PeapodMats, 100% waterproof and washable bed mats. You can also spread the cost with 0% interest by using Clearpay. See how Polly saved over £1000 by using PeapodMats here.
By using my tips, you can make a real impact on your monthly household bills and keep more money in your pocket. So, don't let bills stress you out - make a few small changes and start saving today!